Which model to buy

[Samdance]

I am in the market for a daily driver. I have read Randy Leffingwell's book and have narrowed (?) my search to a 911 w/G50, a 964, or maybe a 993.

My car experience is decent, my first car was a 68 Beetle my dad gave me with the motor in pieces in a box. I had it together and running in about 3 days, and since have had a couple of old Audi's, and just finished a 90 Land Cruiser with 210K. I am not a body guy, but I am comfortable with building motors, fixing most electrics, etc.

The 993 would be a stretch financially, as I would like to keep the cost under 25K. I was thinking it would be smarter to buy a car that had high miles, but a newly rebuilt motor and just maintain it.

Anyway, I am going to look at a 1990 C4, 77K, $18,000. All records and books since new. 3 owners. If it looks good to me, a PPI at 911 Enterprises here in Dallas.

Any recommendations? Suggestions?

Comments very welcome!!

Sincerely,

Mike

[techweenie]

The early 964 engine (though mid '91) had a head sealing problem. Most cars were fixed, but the fix was not an official recall as far as I know. So you'll want to know this issue was addressed. The premium for low miles seems a bit high on this one, but see what the PPI says.

[DDDD]

Seems like a good car to check out anyway. Try and beat them down a few bucks when you PPI it.

Just remember not to settle for second best right now. But not a bad choice at all to start with. Do a carfax before anything else.

[Baz]

I know you specified the G-50 gearbox and if that's a deal breaker I would go with any late 80's Carrera - the '89 being the holy grail.

That being said - I wouldn't kick a well-kept SC out of bed for eating crackers!

[Samdance]

Originally Posted by techweenie

The early 964 engine (though mid '91) had a head sealing problem. Most cars were fixed, but the fix was not an official recall as far as I know. So you'll want to know this issue was addressed. The premium for low miles seems a bit high on this one, but see what the PPI says.

Thank you!

The buyer has disappeared, might be a sign....

I really like the G 50 cars but wonder if they might be a bit primitive to live with day to day in the Texas heat. I hear the 964 had better A/C....

Thoughts?

[FenderGuy]

I would stay away from the C4 and go for the C2 less drivetrain issues then the AWD

I am in the same boat as you with my next 911, not doing 993 though.

Does the AC really work better in the 964? You can always upgrade the AC with more modern parts they have now.

I personally think the 964 adds more bang for the buck when it comes to upgrading from the Carrera 87-89 models.

But the 87-89 are more truer to the 911 feel...

It's all what makes you happy in the end

[geshaghi]

You should be able to find a good 993 in your price range. They are great cars, and far superior IMO to the 964. I would probably stick with the 1995MY, which does not have ODBII and some of the associated check engine light problems.

[racer]

996s can be found all day in your price range.. have better AC and Heat too... but of course, they are not an aircooled car. On the other Daily Driving a 20+ year old car is a bold move in todays automotive climate. Good luck with your search and take your time.. consider all the color combos and options you would like first (ie, LSD? White only? tan interior? etc etc. before settling for one that happens to be in your budget range.

[FenderGuy]

Racer

Disagree with that statement, I daily drove my 1980 SC Cab for a year and even had to wear suits sometimes for work. Would I do it again? Yes and will do it again but in a 87-89 Carrera or a 964